Philippines clashes break truce

Clashes have erupted between government troops and Muslim separatist fighters in the southern Philippines, breaking a two year-old truce just weeks before possible peace talks.

03 Nov 2004 16:39 GMT

Fighting has spread to villages

Four separatist fighters were killed and three pro-government militiamen were wounded in the fighting around Mamasapano town on Mindanao island, on Wednesday, which the military alleged was sparked by a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrilla attack on an army outpost.

The fighting shattered a two-year-old truce that was being observed by more than 60 international military monitors from Brunei and Malaysia.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu blamed the military for starting the violence, adding that fighting had spread to several nearby villages.

"Fighting is still raging at least in two villages now, Tuca and Lupok, and we are awaiting reports from our commanders in the field on the extent of the battle. Troops attacked our positions in Mamasapano town," Kabalu said.

The military said fighting was triggered when 30-40 members of the MILF attacked a residential area and three army detachments.

Casualties

Regional military spokesman Colonel Franklin del Prado said rebel forces attacked a military post in Tuca village without provocation before dawn.

Alexander Yano (2-L) says theceasefire group will intervene

"We still don't have reports of casualties and fighting is going on," he said.

Brigadier General Alexander Yano, chairman of a joint committee overseeing the ceasefire, said committee members along with representatives of the MILF were proceeding to the area to look into the incident.